To recruit and retain veteran nurses, hospitals must “quickly transform the work environment so that older nurses are welcomed, accommodated, appreciated and used wisely,” according to a study that surveyed 377 older nurses. The study, supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, found that older nurses wanted greater flexibility in scheduling and innovative new nursing positions, such as mentor, research assistant or safety officer. To decrease the time nurses spend walking on the job and the physical demands of their work, nurses suggested mechanical patient lifts, decentralized storage of supplies, and better lighting at the bedside. Nurses also called for adequate training in the use of technology, as well as input in the choice of technology purchases. In general, nurses seek greater autonomy and participation in decision making. “Nurses are tired of doing a difficult job under stressful conditions and of not having their contributions acknowledged,” the report states. And respondents also said ongoing learning is especially critical to retaining senior nurses promoted to managerial or innovative positions that require new skills.
